Parts of Norwottuck Rail Trail to be Closed for “Spring Cleaning”

Five separate sections of the Norwottuck Rail Trail — the bike-path and walkway linking Northampton, Hadley and Amherst, Massachusetts — will be closed temporarily over the next few weeks as the Department of Conservation and Recreation — or DCR — does spring cleaning. DCR spokesperson SJ Port says it’s common for roadways and bike paths to flood after the build up of debris during the fall and winter.

“Especially rail trails that dip and swerve as frequently as this one does. There’s some inner sections we want to make cleaner. It’s the same as if your gutters are backed up in your house and you start to see overflow.”

Port says the work will prepare the trail for summer maintenance projects set to begin in June — including widening some areas to improve visibility. She says designated segments of the pathway will be closed from seven in the morning until three-thirty in the afternoon on weekdays only — and well-marked detours will allow bikers and walkers continued access. A full list of closures can be found at mass.gov/dcr.